World Cup 2019 | VVS Laxman feels Ambati Rayudu has done everything right to be in World Cup squad

The world turned upside down for Ambati Rayudu when the selectors excluded him from the 15-man Indian squad for the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales. Prioir to the selection, Rayudu was the frontrunner for the No. 4 spot, but his languishing form against Australia propelled his exclusion. 

Many cricket pundits were stunned by Rayudu’s exclusion and have come out in support of him. However, Rayudu found some consolation after being named among the three standbys for the prestigious event. And former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman was the latest to hop on the bandwagon and he said that Rayudu did almost everything right to earn a ticket to England. Laxman himslef had gone through a similar pain when Dinesh Mongia was preferred over the Hyderabadi batsman during the 2003 World Cup. 

“It will be very disappointing for Rayudu because I felt he had done everything possible to be in that squad. Since the West Indies series (Oct 2018), where he was asked to bat at No 4, he has consistently performed in that position. He was the highest run-getter in the series, so I was a little surprised they didn’t go with the experience of Rayudu even after performing. It will be very, very painful. I have experienced that in 2003. But as an international sportsperson, it is important to bounce back strongly, and I hope Rayudu does that,” Laxman was quoted while having a chat with Hindustan Times.

Rayudu made way for Vijay Shankar as the latter’s form in recent times seems to have impressed the selectors. On his thoughts over Shankar batting at 4, Laxman said, “He is very good, a talented player. He has got an opportunity in the World Cup and it is important he grabs it. He is very hard working. I just wish everyone in the Indian team goes out and plays to potential because they have the ability to lift the World Cup. For me, India and England start favourites.”

Laxman further emphasized on Dhoni’s importance in the current line-up, which would also be his last World Cup. 

“He is a very important member of this team. Not only as a batsman or keeper, he plays the role of a mentor. He has got abundant experience and he gets the best out of the players. He is a great asset to this team, and if he performs, it will give a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team. I have a feeling he will have a wonderful World Cup. Be it the Dhoni-Virat combination or Dhoni-bowlers, he almost (always) tells them where to bowl, just that bonding between Dhoni and all the players is very healthy. He is a great player, he was an exceptional captain, and I am sure the team management will use his experience and all players will benefit,” Laxman said. 

The Orange Cap in the ongoing IPL is sitting with pride on David Warner’s head after the Australian had yet another unstoppable campaign with the bat wreaking havoc at the top. And Laxman praised Warner's leadership qualities stating how well he had gelled with the youngsters.

“He is just looking forward to play and enjoy the game. When a player like Warner, who takes so much pride in playing, suddenly misses a year of cricket, he really looks forward (to doing well). What really impressed me was his rhythm right from the first day I saw him in Hyderabad. When you don’t play quality, competitive cricket for one year, even though he played in a couple of franchise leagues, sometimes you don’t get that rhythm. But from the first practice session that rhythm was there, which was important. It showed how much eager he was to do well in IPL. He prepared really well coming here. When he is with SRH, he is like a leader. He is someone who contributes a lot, on and off the ground. He encourages youngsters, helps the entire team get better. Whenever he scores, it has been impact runs,” Laxman concluded.